Evaluation of if a specific way of teaching is
effective can be done based on how well the class comprehend or learn what is
taught. According to Driscoll, 2000, Learning is defined as a change in an
individual caused by experience (Slavin, 2006). This implies that for learning
to take place it requires more than just being fed information. There are two
main approaches to teaching; teacher-centered and student-centered, both of
which consists of pros and cons that will be further discussed.
A teacher-centered
approach is one that maximizes delivery of information and control of the class
while minimizing their time and effort and usually takes the form of note-taking/lecturing.
The advantage to this approach is that, it allows for a large amount of
information to be shared in a short period of time; the teacher has control
over the organization, pacing and content of the class; it accommodates large
number of students and allows for quick and easy assessment methods. The disadvantage
of this approach is that, knowledge is controlled by the teacher; mainly
one-way communication; does not encourage critical thinking; promotes passive
learning and it’s not an optimal way of learning for many students.
A student centered approach is an approach to
education that focuses on the needs of the students. It requires active
participation from teacher and students where much responsibility for learning
is placed on the student. This interactive approach is utilized in an effort to
be responsive to a variety of learning styles. The advantage to this approach
is that, it engages students in the learning process; encourages student
ownership of knowledge; provides real life connection; promotes active learning
and fosters critical thinking; addresses multiple learning styles and allows
for varied assessment strategies. The disadvantage to this approach is that, it
is more difficult to implement with large classes, can be more time consuming
than lecturing, not really effective in all subject areas and students may
resist new approaches.
A subject
like science includes topics that are closely related to everyday living and
life around us in general. Upon entering this field of study, it is important
for students to develop wholesomely where scientific knowledge is not only
known by the student but understood in ways that allow them to be able to make
connections to other things rather than placing the subject in a box by itself.
Also, implementing positive attitudes and a number of skills that are needed to
function well as a science student should be considered when choosing a
teaching method. In comparing the two approaches of teaching based on their
advantages and disadvantages, I found the student-centered approach to be the
most suitable in effectively teaching science.
Science should be a subject that encourages
students to be creative, observant, persistent, critical thinkers, curious and
so forth. In a setting that is teacher-centered, these attitudes are not
cultivated within students since they would have little or no involvement in
their learning process. A student centered approach allows a student to be
directly involved in their learning. This method of teaching stimulates
positive working attitudes that would be required to exercise from actives
given, requiring students participation in lessons. Student-centered teaching
also diverts from the traditional, boring way of teaching that most times loses
the students interest. Being directly involved in the learning process causes
students to build upon personal experiences that help them to learn and
understand science. Effective science teaching does not cause the student to
just know the information handed to them but along with gaining the knowledge,
the subject should be taught in a way that allows them to develop attitudes and
skills that are needed to function as science students. Shifting from a
teacher-centered approach to a student-centered approach, supports this kind of
development.
Valkiza this is a good attempt at a balanced, well-reasoned argument. Evidence of research is however limited and at times your paragraphs read like a list. Question though, does the teacher-centered approach have any place in the science classroom?
ReplyDeleteYes, the teacher centered approach does have a place in the science classroom because even though the aim is to ensure that students actually learn, if we are to be realistic, then the amount of time that we have to complete a given syllabus is a huge factor. So there would have to be a balance in using the two approaches. The student-centered approach is deemed the better way but it has disadvantages also. I believe that issues arise when a teacher goes to the extreme of implementing only one approach and completely disregarding the other. If a teacher's approach is focused in only in the teacher-centered approach then the demand for a shift to a student-centered approach is needed but it does not necessarily mean that the teacher-centered approach should be disregarded.
DeleteI strongly believe a student centered approach is important but it could be difficulty in very large classes. That is why it is important to know student the way in which your students' learn and receive information
ReplyDelete